Toenail Fungus | Onychomycosis

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of the nails of your toes. Known as onychomycosis, an infection may begin as a whitish or yellowish spot under the tip of your toenail. As the fungal infection spreads, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and start to crumble at the edges - a potentially painful and unsightly problem.

Elderly patient with toenail fungus A toenail fungal infection is not due to poor hygiene - it occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small cut or break in the toenail. Fungi, microscopic organisms which thrive in dark, damp places like gym showers and locker rooms, multiply quickly inside socks and shoes which are damp most of the day. Since toenails have less blood flow than the rest of your body, fighting a fungal infection becomes difficult.

Elderly patients are particularly at risk for fungal infections of toenails, due to their diminished blood circulation and the slower growth of their nails. Infections are also more likely to occur in men than women, especially those with a family history of toenail infection.

Onychomycosis can become quite painful and cause permanent damage to your nails. If you have a suppressed or weakened immune system (leukemia, AIDS, organ transplant recipients), a fungal infection of your toenails can lead to other, more serious infections which may spread beyond your toes.

You can avoid getting toenail fungus infections by always wearing flip-flops or sandals in warm, damp, public areas like gym locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools; keeping the inside of your shoes dry and wearing clean socks every day; drying your feet thoroughly after bathing; wearing socks made from materials like cotton or wool that absorb moisture from your feet; wearing shoes made from natural materials which allow air and moisture exchange; and using antifungal powder daily.

A toenail fungal infection will not clear up on its own and must be treated with medications or by laser removal of the fungus. As soon as you see the first signs of a toenail fungus infection (tiny white or yellow spot under the nail), seek treatment from a podiatrist.